January 19, 2024 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development has concluded her first trip of the year with a tour of Western Canada. Minister Ng visited Edmonton, Alberta; Saskatoon, Saskatchewan; and Winnipeg, Manitoba, this past week, connecting with local businesses leaders and provincial ministers. During these interactions, her focus was on showcasing opportunities for Canada in the Indo-Pacific through Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy (IPS), including through the upcoming Team Canada Trade Missions to Malaysia and Vietnam, and to South Korea. Additionally, she emphasized Canada’s ongoing commitment to its trade relationship with Ukraine.

During her first stop, in Edmonton, Minister Ng highlighted investment and partnership opportunities between Canada and Japan in relation to Edmonton’s hydrogen production and deployment hub. The Minister hosted a breakfast and networking reception focused on opportunities in the Indo-Pacific and met with Matt Jones, Alberta’s Minister of Jobs Economy and Trade. They spoke about strengthening collaborative relationships with the province and supporting Ukraine’s long-term economic recovery and trade interests through the modernized Canada-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement (CUFTA). She wrapped up her visit discussing CUFTA with Ukrainian business leaders.

Minister Ng continued on to Saskatoon where exports, including potash and oil, play a crucial role in Saskatchewan’s economy. She joined the Saskatchewan Research Council to observe a demonstration of the eVinci Microreactor. Minister Ng then visited Three Farmers, a women-owned food manufacturer that sells pulse-based snack food products and camelina oil. The Minister also toured the Ukrainian Museum of Canada, which was followed by a discussion with representatives of the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce and Ukraine Council on the importance of rebuilding Ukraine’s economy.

Minister Ng concluded her visit in Winnipeg, where she spoke with Manitoba business leaders about how Canada’s IPS and Team Canada Trade Missions can support closer ties with the Indo-Pacific region. This was an event with the Manitoba Business Community cohosted by the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce, Business Council of Manitoba and Manitoba Chambers of Commerce. Minister Ng also discussed agricultural and agri-food opportunities in the Indo-Pacific during her visit to Hylife Foods, UM and Genesus Genetics.